Govt withdraws controversial livestock bill

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying had circulated a draft of the bill on June 7, 2023, and sought public comments/suggestions on the draft.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying had circulated the draft of the bill on June 7, 2023, and had sought public comments/suggestions on the draft.

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Facing criticism, the Centre has withdrawn the draft Live-stock and Live-stock Products [Importation and Exportation] Bill, 2023.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying had circulated a draft of the bill on June 7, 2023, and sought public comments/suggestions on the draft. However, the provisions of the proposed bill drew sharp criticism from the civil society. Facing criticism, the ministry issued an office memorandum on Tuesday, withdrawing the draft bill.

The memorandum states, “The Live-stock Importation Act, 1898″, being the pre-constitutional / pre-independence Central Act, a need has been felt to align it with the contemporary requirements and prevailing circumstances related to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and its extant Allocation of Business Rules, 1961. Basically, DAHD’s role is primarily pertaining to support by having upgraded livestock health facilities, hygiene etc., including animal welfare aspects for overall development of animal husbandry sector.”

“However, during the consultation, it has been viewed that enough time is required to understand the proposed draft and to make further comments / suggestions. Further, the representations have been made expressing concerns on the proposed draft involving sensitivity and emotions with’ animal welfare and related aspects, and, hence, would need wider consultation,” it said.